Restaurant Process Engineer at SLIM CHICKENS

Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

18 Jan, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

CAD Software, Analytical Skills, Commercial Kitchen Equipment, Food Safety, Ergonomics, Time-Motion Studies, Process Mapping, Project Management, Problem-Solving, Creative Thinking, Collaboration, Communication

Industry

Restaurants

Description

Job Details Job Location: Fayetteville, AR 72703 We’re not just another chicken joint—we’re one of the fastest-growing brands in the game, built on hand-made food and bold ambition. At Slim Chickens, every tenderloin gets the royal treatment: brined, buttermilk-soaked, hand-breaded, and cooked fresh to order. That same care and craft goes into how we grow our people. If you’ve got hustle, heart, and an entrepreneurial spark, this is the place to prove yourself and shape your career. Our team thrives on real connection—working fast, thinking big, and building something that makes an impact every day. Here, you’ll be trusted to make decisions, empowered to own your work, and part of a crew that’s taking this brand to the next level. Slim Chickens is growing fast. The only question is—are you ready to grow with us? PURPOSE OF THE POSITION The Restaurant Process Engineer will optimize kitchen operations through strategic equipment layout redesign and workflow analysis. This role supports the organization's labor optimization initiatives by maximizing operational efficiency through equipment deployment and spatial organization, while preparing infrastructure for scalable growth without disrupting core business operations. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Layout & Workflow Optimization Analyze current back-of-house equipment layouts and workflows across all locations Conduct time-motion studies and process mapping to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies Develop spaghetti diagrams and flow analyses to visualize traffic patterns and crossover points Redesign equipment placement to reduce steps, improve ergonomics, and enhance workstation adjacencies Optimize spatial utilization to maximize output within existing footprint constraints Operational Analysis Measure and document assembly times, throughput rates, and speed of service metrics Conduct product temperature studies and quality assessments throughout production process Identify opportunities to consolidate, eliminate redundancy, or reorganize equipment Map prep processes and identify opportunities for improved efficiency Analyze product mix (PMIX) data and sales patterns to inform layout decisions Labor Optimization Support Collaborate with operations leadership to align equipment layout with staffing deployment strategies Design workstations that minimize labor requirements during peak and off-peak periods Reduce unnecessary movement and steps to improve labor productivity Create equipment configurations that enable efficient single-operator workflows where appropriate Support standardization of processes to reduce training time and complexity Scaling & Growth Preparation Design modular, flexible layouts that accommodate future menu development without major disruption Create standardized equipment configurations that can be replicated across locations Build infrastructure that supports growth while maintaining operational consistency Develop flex spaces within layouts for testing new products or limited-time offerings Plan equipment placement with consideration for future volume increases Documentation & Standards Create detailed floor plans, elevation drawings, and equipment specifications Develop standard operating procedures for optimized workflows Document workstation planograms and mise en place organization Produce implementation guides for layout changes in existing locations Slim Chickens systems principles and objectives: Demonstrates a deep understanding of Slim Chickens’ operating systems—including food quality, safety, security, facilities, equipment standards, and company policies—and applies these systems to design, evaluate, and continuously improve restaurant layouts and workflows. Serves as a steward of operational excellence by ensuring solutions are scalable, standardized, data-driven, and aligned with Slim Chickens’ brand standards and growth objectives. Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description outlines the primary responsibilities of the Restaurant Process Engineer but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. The role requires the ability to apply engineering judgment, creativity, and continuous improvement principles to evolving operational challenges in support of Slim Chickens’ business objectives. Physical Activities: Work is performed in both office and restaurant environments. This role involves extended periods of computer-based work, including data analysis, layout design, and documentation, as well as on-site observation of restaurant operations. Physical activities may include standing and walking in kitchen environments, observing workflows, measuring equipment and spaces, and visually inspecting processes and layouts. The role may also require presenting findings and recommendations to small or large groups. Travel: Occasional travel to corporate restaurant locations is required to conduct operational assessments, validate layouts, support implementations, and observe workflows in live operating environments. What Success Looks Like Consistent volume of high-quality ad concepts ready for production Steady pipeline of UGC creators producing weekly content Lower CPAs and higher ROAS driven by tighter creative iteration Ad creative learnings documented and applied quarter over quarter Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Flexible Spending Account 401(k) Parental Leave Pet Insurance Paid time off Life Insurance Tuition reimbursement Adoption Assistance Slim Chickens is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all open positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, and physical or mental disability. Qualifications Technical Skills Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, REVIT, or similar) for layout design Strong analytical skills with ability to collect, analyze, and interpret operational data Knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment and food safety requirements Understanding of ergonomics and workplace design principles Familiarity with time-motion studies and process mapping techniques Core Competencies Systems thinking with ability to see how changes impact interconnected processes Strong project management skills with ability to prioritize multiple initiatives Excellent problem-solving abilities and creative thinking Detail-oriented with focus on accuracy and precision Ability to work collaboratively with operations, culinary, and facilities teams Strong communication skills for presenting findings and recommendations to leadership Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or related field 3-5 years of experience in restaurant operations, kitchen design, or process engineering Demonstrated experience with workflow optimization and lean methodologies Experience in QSR or fast-casual restaurant environments preferred Key Performance Indicators Reduction in staff walking distance/steps per shift Improvement in throughput and speed of service metrics Labor hours saved through workflow optimization Reduction in equipment footprint while maintaining or increasing capacity Number of locations successfully implementing optimized layouts Measurable improvements in product quality and temperature consistency Employee satisfaction with workstation ergonomics and efficiency

Responsibilities

The Restaurant Process Engineer will optimize kitchen operations through equipment layout redesign and workflow analysis. This role supports labor optimization initiatives by maximizing operational efficiency and preparing infrastructure for scalable growth.